Remotely-triggered submerged launch canisters

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a submerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiated deployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submerged launch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely-triggered deployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. The remotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel the waterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 61/325,712, filed Apr. 19, 2010, the entire contents of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The following disclosure relates generally to underwater deploymentsystems and, more specifically, to submerged launch canisters utilizedto remotely deploy Unmanned Underwater Vehicles and other waterborneobjects.

BACKGROUND

Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (also commonly referred to as “AutonomousUnderwater Vehicles”) are utilized for various purposes in military andcivilian contexts. In the military context, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles(“UUVs”) may be employed to perform oceanic and littoral surveillance orto detect, and possibly disable, naval mines or other threats.Widespread in-field usage of UUVs has, however, been somewhat hinderedby the lack of a straightforward, rugged, and reliable means that can beutilized by non-technical military personnel to deploy UnmannedUnderwater Vehicles on an ad hoc, as-needed basis. In addition, theduration of time over which an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle can operateautonomously is inherently limited by the capacity of the battery orbatteries deployed aboard the UUV. It is generally not practical for anUnmanned Underwater Vehicle to remain dormant and exposed on theseafloor for a prolonged period of time prior to activation. UnmannedUnderwater Vehicles are thus subject to timing constraints that maydeter or prevent UUV deployment when the time frame for accomplishmentof mission objectives is uncertain or relatively lengthy; e.g., severaldays or weeks post-deployment.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing section entitled “Background,” there exists anongoing need to provide embodiments of a deployment device that can beutilized to reliably deploy an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (or otherwaterborne object) or to pre-position an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle onthe seafloor for deployment at a later juncture. In the latter regard,it is particularly desirable to provide a deployment device that enablesan Unmanned Underwater Vehicle to be pre-positioned at a desiredlocation of deployment and to be remotely activated at asubsequently-determined time to maximize the post-deployment operationallifespan of the Unmanned Underwater Vehicle. It is also generallydesirable for such a deployment device to be cost-effective, scalable,handsafe, rugged, and relatively straightforward to operate tofacilitate usage by in-field military personnel, including diversoperating in potentially adverse maritime conditions (e.g., low ambientlight, Sea States approaching or exceeding Code 3, etc.). Otherdesirable features and characteristics of the present invention willbecome apparent from the subsequent Detailed Description and theappended Claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings andBackground.

To satisfy some or all of the foregoing needs, embodiments of asubmerged launch canister are provided for the remotely-initiateddeployment of a waterborne object. In one embodiment, the submergedlaunch canister includes a pressure vessel and a remotely-triggereddeployment system. The pressure vessel has an open end portion and astorage cavity configured to receive the waterborne object therein. Theremotely-triggered deployment system is configured to propel thewaterborne object from the storage cavity, through the open end portion,and into a body of water when remotely triggered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

At least one example of the present invention will hereinafter bedescribed in conjunction with the following Figures:

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a submerged launch canister in awatertight transport state and illustrated in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method suitable forcarrying-out the underwater deployment of an Unmanned Underwater Vehicleutilizing the submerged launch canister shown in FIG. 1; and

FIGS. 3 and 4 are generalized isometric views of the submerged launchcanister shown in FIG. 1 in watertight transport and launch states,respectively, and utilized to deploy an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle inaccordance with the exemplary method illustrated in FIG. 2.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following Detailed Description is merely exemplary in nature and isnot intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of theinvention. To the contrary, many embodiments of the submerged launchcanister and the like are not limited by the drawings or otherrepresentations contained herein, but rather encompass a wide range ofequivalent embodiments that incorporate the general concepts set-forthin this document and its attachments. The term “canister” as appearingherein is defined broadly to include any sealable container, regardlessof shape, size, structural features, material composition, etc.,suitable for the underwater transport and deployment of an UnmannedUnderwater Vehicle or other waterborne object as described more fullybelow. As further appearing herein, the term “seafloor” is utilized todenote any submerged surface that may support the submerged launchcanister as further described below.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a Submerged Launch (SL) canister10 in a watertight transport state and illustrated in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the present invention. As will be described morefully below, SL canister 10 enables a waterborne object (or objects)stored within canister 10 to be safely transported and deployed fromwithin a body of water in response to a wireless launch signal, such asan acoustic launch signal. SL canister 10 is especially well-suited forthe transport and the remotely-initiated launch of an UnmannedUnderwater Vehicle, such as a robotic submarine, utilized to performreconnaissance or other functionalities when operational. For thisreason, SL canister 10 is illustrated in FIG. 1 and described hereinbelow in conjunction with a generalized Unmanned Underwater Vehicle(UUV) 12. It is, however, emphasized that embodiments of SL canister 10can be utilized to transport and launch various other types ofwaterborne objects including, but not limited to, waterborne sensorpackages, waterborne munitions, waterborne sub-munitions, waterbornecommunications relays and signal emitters, waterborne jammers, and thelike.

SL canister 10 includes a pressure vessel 14 having an upper open endportion 16, a lower closed end portion 18, and a main storage cavity 20.The dimensions of storage cavity 20 and, more generally, the dimensionsof pressure vessel 14 can be scaled, as appropriate, to accommodatewaterborne objects of various sizes; e.g., as indicated in FIG. 1, thedimensions of pressure vessel 14 can be chosen such that the innerdiameter of storage cavity 20 is slightly larger than the outer diameterof UUV 12. The geometry of pressure vessel 14 may also be varied, asdesired; however, it is preferred that pressure vessel 14 is generallytubular in shape to optimize the structural integrity of pressure vessel14 and to facilitate transport and storage of SL canister 10 using, forexample, universal boat rack systems. When UUV 12 is stored within mainstorage cavity 20, UUV 12 and SL canister 10 may be collectivelyreferred to as an “All-Up Round.”

SL canister 10 further includes a watertight cap 22 and a hinge member24, which hingedly couples watertight cap 22 to open end portion 16 ofpressure vessel 14. Watertight cap 22 is rotatable between a closedposition (illustrated in FIG. 1) and an open position (illustrated inFIG. 4, described below). In the closed position, watertight cap 22sealingly engages open end portion 16 to prevent the ingress of waterinto storage cavity 20 and the premature wetting of UUV 12 duringunderwater transport of SL canister 10. To improve the sealingcharacteristics of watertight cap 22 in the closed position, one or moreseals may be disposed between watertight cap 22 and open end portion 16of pressure vessel 14. For example, as generically illustrated in FIG.1, an O-ring 27 may be disposed around a cylindrical protrusion 26provided on the underside of watertight cap 22. When watertight cap 22is in the closed position, O-ring 27 is sealingly compressed between theouter circumferential wall of cylindrical protrusion 26 and an innercircumferential wall of open end portion 16 to provide a watertight sealto a depth of, for example, several hundred meters. Although not shownin FIG. 1 for clarity, a waterproof membrane (e.g., a Mylar® film) canbe installed within open end portion 16 between UUV 12 and watertightcap 22 to further deter the premature wetting of UUV 12 in the unlikelyevent that water should ingress into storage cavity 20 during usage ofSL canister 10.

Watertight cap 22 is conveniently, although not necessarily, biasedtoward the open position by one or more resilient elements. For example,as indicated in FIG. 1, a compression spring 28 may be compressedbetween watertight cap 22 and open end portion 16 when watertight cap 22is in the closed position to resiliently urge watertight cap 22 towardthe open position. Alternatively, and as a second example, watertightcap 22 may be biased toward the open position by a torsion springincluded within hinge member 24. In embodiments wherein watertight cap22 is biased toward the open position, SL canister 10 is furtherequipped with a cap release mechanism 30, which physically prevents cap22 from rotating into the open position until the desired time ofdeployment. Although cap release mechanism 30 may assume any formsuitable for maintaining watertight cap 22 in the closed position, it isgenerally desirable for cap release mechanism 30 to comprise arelatively simple and rugged device, such as a solenoid, to ensurereliability in harsh operating environments.

SL canister 10 is negatively buoyant and will consequently sink to theseafloor if jettisoned from a surface ship, submarine, aircraft, orother vehicle, as described below in conjunction with STEP 76 of method70 (FIG. 2). Furthermore, due to its negative buoyancy, SL canister 10will remain substantially stationary after coming to rest on theseafloor. In embodiments wherein SL canister 10 is allowed to sink tothe seafloor, SL canister 10 includes certain characteristics andstructural features to ensure that SL canister 10 comes to rest in anorientation appropriate for the subsequent launch of UUV 12. Forexample, SL canister 10 is preferably asymmetrically weighted (i.e., thebottom of SL canister 10 is heavier than is the top portion of SLcanister 10, when loaded) to ensure that SL canister 10 comes to rest onthe seafloor in an at least partially upright position. In addition, SLcanister 10 may be equipped with a stand member 32, which elevates openend portion 16 from the seafloor. Stand member 32 may assume the form ofa deployment ring mounted around pressure vessel 14 proximate open endportion 16, which extends radially outward from pressure vessel 14 tocontact the seafloor and thereby elevate open end portion 16 above theseafloor when SL canister 10 is supported thereby. In furtherembodiments, stand member 32 can assume the form of a pivotal arm thatcan be moved outward from the body of pressure vessel 14 by an actuatorto elevate open end portion 16 immediately prior to launch of UUV 12. Instill further embodiments, stand member 32 may comprise a flotationdevice (e.g., an inflatable float collar) disposed around open endportion 16 of pressure vessel 14 to impart upper end portion 16 ofpressure vessel 14 with a positive buoyancy.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, SL canister 10 isfurther equipped with a vacuum port 40 and a pressure relief valve 42.Vacuum port 40 and pressure relief valve 42 are each fluidly coupled tomain storage cavity 20 of pressure vessel 14. In the illustratedexample, specifically, pressure relief valve 42 is mounted through acentral portion of watertight cap 22, and vacuum port 40 is mountedthrough the annular wall of pressure vessel 14. Vacuum port 40 enablesthe sealing characteristics of SL canister 10 to be tested whenwatertight cap 22 is in the closed position prior to submersion ofcanister 10. By comparison, pressure relief valve 42 vents gas flow fromstorage cavity 20 to the exterior of SL canister 10 if the pressurewithin storage cavity 20 should surpass a predetermined upper thresholddue to, for example, combustion of an electrical or chemical component(e.g., a lithium ion battery) included within UUV 12. In so doing,pressure relief valve 42 prevents the pressure within storage cavity 20from accumulating to undesirably high levels and, thus, helps render SLcanister 10 handsafe. In one embodiment, vacuum port 40 and pressurerelief valve 42 each assume the form of a spring-loaded poppet valve.

SL canister 10 further includes a remotely-triggered deployment system44, which is configured to carry-out the launch of UUV 12 pursuant toreceipt of a wireless launch signal, such as an acoustic launch signal.Deployment system 44 may be configured to initiate launch of UUV 12 uponor immediately after receipt of an acoustic launch signal.Alternatively, deployment system 44 may be configured to initiate launchof UUV 12 after elapse of a predetermined time period commencing uponreceipt of the acoustic launch signal. As a still further possibility,deployment system 44 may initiate launch of UUV 12 at a time periodsubsequent to receipt of the acoustic launch signal and specified by theacoustic launch signal. In each of the foregoing instances,remotely-triggered deployment system 44 initiates deployment of UUV 12in response to receipt of a wireless launch signal.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, remotely-triggereddeployment system 44 includes a controller 46, a power supply 54 (e.g.,one or more lithium ion batteries), and a propellant device 56. Inaddition, deployment system 44 includes at least one wireless sensor,which, in the illustrated example, assumes the form of an acousticsensor 50 having at least one microphone 52. Controller 46 includes afirst input, which is coupled to an output of acoustic sensor 50; afirst output, which is coupled to an input of cap release mechanism 30(indicated in FIG. 1 by dashed line 58); and a second output, which iscoupled to the input of a component included within propellant device 56(e.g., valve actuator 60, described below). Controller 46 can includeany suitable number of individual microprocessors, microcontrollers,digital signal processors, programmed arrays, memories, and otherstandard components known in the art. In addition, controller 46 mayperform or cooperate with any number of programs or instructionsdesigned to analyze acoustic signals received via acoustic sensor 50 andto carry-out various versions of the launch sequence described below.Acoustic sensor 50 may comprise any device suitable for detecting anacoustic launch signal, as described more fully below in conjunctionwith FIGS. 2-4.

In certain embodiments, an activation switch 48 may be coupled to asecond input of controller 46 to enable controller 46, and moregenerally deployment system 44, to be powered-up immediately prior topositioning on the seafloor. Activation switch 48 may comprise a device(e.g., a saltwater switch) that automatically determines when SLcanister 10 has been submerged within an ocean or other body of water.This notwithstanding, activation switch 48 preferably assumes the formof a manual switch that can be actuated by a diver immediately prior todiver-emplacement or by other military personnel immediately prior tojettison from a surface ship, a submarine, an aircraft, or similarvehicle. In one embodiment, activation switch 48 assumes the form of apull plug that can be easily removed by a diver operating in adversemaritime conditions (e.g., low ambient light, Sea States approaching orexceeding Code 3, etc.) and wearing diver's gloves, a diver's mask, andother scuba gear.

Propellant device 56 can assume any form, and may include any number ofstructural elements or components (e.g., springs, explosive CartridgeActuated Devices, etc.), suitable for ejecting UUV 12 from storagecavity 20 and through open end portion 16 of pressure vessel 14 at thedesired time of deployment. In a preferred embodiment, propellant device56 includes a pressurized gas reservoir containing a gas or a gasmixture that can be released into storage cavity 20 to propel UUV 12therefrom. In the illustrated example, specifically, propellant device56 includes a valve actuator 60, a flow control valve 62, and apressurized gas reservoir 64 having an external fill port 66. A firstflow passage 68 fluidly couples storage cavity 20 to flow control valve62, which is, in turn, fluidly coupled to pressurized gas reservoir 64by a second flow passage 69. External fill port 66 enables a diver orother military personnel to fill pressurized gas reservoir 64 with a gas(e.g., oxygen) or gas mixture (e.g., carbon dioxide) prior topositioning of SL canister 10 on the seafloor. By enabling pressurizedgas reservoir 64 to be filled immediately prior to placement of SLcanister 10, SL canister 10 can remain “de-energized” during primarytransport and thereby help render SL canister 10 handsafe. Pressurizedgas reservoir 64 conveniently assumes the form of a hollow cylindricalor annular metal body mounted to or around lower end portion 18 ofpressure vessel 14. In this case, deployment system 44 may comprise aseparate module mounted to pressure vessel 14 adjacent pressurized gasreservoir 64, as generally illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 (describedbelow).

Flow control valve 62 normally resides in a closed position whereinvalve 62 prevents gas flow from pressurized gas reservoir 64, throughflow passage 68, and into storage cavity 20. When commanded bycontroller 46, valve actuator 60 moves flow control valve 62 into anopen position. More specifically, valve actuator 60 may move a valveelement included within flow control valve 62 from a position thatgenerally blocks gas flow through the flow passage of valve 62 to aposition that permits gas flow through the flow passage of valve 62.Alternatively, valve actuator 60 may puncture, rupture, or otherwisebreak a sealing element (e.g., a diaphragm, a rupture disc, etc.)included within flow control valve 62 to enable gas flow through valve62. When flow control valve 62 is opened in this manner, pressurized gasrapidly flows from pressurized gas reservoir 64 into storage cavity 20to propel UUV 12 therefrom. Valve actuator 60 may comprise any devicesuitable for moving flow control valve 62 into an open position uponcommand by controller 46 to allow pressurized gas flow from pressurizedgas reservoir 64 into main storage cavity 20 in this manner. In oneembodiment, actuator 60 assumes the form of a solenoid electricallycoupled to controller 46.

When deployment system 44 is powered-up (e.g., via actuation of switch48), controller 46 receives input data from acoustic sensor 50indicative of acoustic noises detected by microphone 52. Operating in aquiescent listening mode, controller 46 analyzes the input data receivedfrom acoustic sensor 50 to determine when and if the acoustic launchsignal is detected by, for example, comparison to one or more signaltemplates stored within a memory associated with controller 46 (notshown). The acoustic launch signal may be an encoded signal emitted by acommand source, such as a nearby command vessel. Alternatively, theacoustic launch signal may be the acoustic signature of a specific typeof surface ship or submarine. When determining that an acoustic launchsignal is detected, controller 46 initiates launch of UUV 12. The launchsequence carried-out by controller 46, and more generally by deploymentsystem 44, will inevitably vary in conjunction with the structuralfeatures and functionalities of SL canister 10; however, to provide anon-limiting example, an exemplary launch sequence that may be performedby deployment system 44 is described below in conjunction with STEP 86of method 70 (FIG. 2).

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 70 for thedeployment of a waterborne object, such as Unmanned Underwater Vehicle12 shown in FIG. 1. For ease of explanation, exemplary method 70 will bedescribed in conjunction with the above-described exemplary embodimentof SL canister 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and further illustrated in FIGS.3 and 4. It is, however, emphasized that exemplary method 70 may becarried-out utilizing embodiments other than the illustrated exemplaryembodiment of Submerged Launch canister 10, which may vary in structuralfeatures and functionalities. Similarly, exemplary method 70 ispresented by way of example only, and further embodiments of method 70may include additional steps, may omit certain steps, or may performsteps in an order different than that shown in FIG. 2 and describedherein below.

To commence method 70 (STEP 72, FIG. 2), SL canister 10 is transportedto the desired location of deployment. SL canister 10 can be transportedto the desired location of deployment utilizing any combination ofvehicles and personnel, including one or more surface boats, submarines,flooded vehicles, aircraft, and military divers. As one specificexample, a submarine or surface boat may first transport SL canister 10and at least one diver to a waypoint nearby the designated location ofdeployment. SL canister 10 may then be loaded onto an intermediaryvehicle, such as a second surface boat or a diver-operated floodedvehicle (e.g., a SEAL delivery vehicle). The diver may then navigate theintermediary vehicle toward the designated location of deployment, haltthe intermediary vehicle prior to reaching the designated location ofdeployment, unload SL canister 10 from the intermediary vehicle, andswim SL canister 10 to the designated location of the deployment.

After being transported to the desired location of deployment (STEP 72,FIG. 2), SL canister 10 is placed in a launch-ready state (STEP 74, FIG.2). For example, in embodiments wherein SL canister 10 includes a manualactivation switch (e.g., activation switch 48 shown in FIG. 1), theactivation switch may be actuated by a diver or other military personnel(e.g., if activation switch 48 includes a pull plug, the diver mayremove the pull plug). Additionally, in embodiments wherein propellantdevice 56 comprises a pressurized gas reservoir (e.g., gas reservoir 64shown in FIG. 1) intended to be filled immediately prior to entrenchmentof SL canister 10, a diver may fill the pressurized gas reservoir with agas or gas mixture while the diver remains underwater and beforeswimming to the deployment location utilizing, for example, a spareoxygen tank carried by the diver or by an intermediary vehicle (e.g., aSEAL delivery vehicle). Alternatively, military personnel aboard asurface boat, submarine, or aircraft may fill the pressurized gasreservoir with a gas or gas mixture prior to jettison of SL canister 10into the surrounding body of water.

SL canister 10 is next positioned or implanted on the seafloor (STEP 76,FIG. 2). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3 by arrow 78 and waterline80, SL canister 10 may be jettisoned from a surface boat, submarine, oraircraft and then allowed to sink to the seafloor. In other embodiments,SL canister 10 may be emplaced by a diver at a desired location on theseafloor, possibly after the diver has navigated a flooded vehicle(e.g., a SEAL delivery vehicle) to the desired location of deployment aspreviously described. FIG. 4 illustrates SL canister 10 afterpositioning of SL canister 10 on the seafloor. In embodiments wherein SLcanister 10 includes a stand member, such as stand member 32 shown inFIG. 4, the stand member elevates the open end portion of pressurevessel 14 from the seafloor (represented in FIG. 4 by line 34) to ensurethat UUV 12 is propelled away from the seafloor during launch.

After being placed in a launch-ready state (STEP 74, FIG. 2) andpositioned on the seafloor (STEP 76, FIG. 2) in the above-describedmanner, deployment system 44 awaits reception of the wireless launchsignal (STEP 82, FIG. 2). Depending, in part, upon the energy storagecapabilities of power supply 54, deployment system 44 may be capable ofremaining in a quiescent listening mode for a duration of several weeks.In embodiments wherein deployment system 44 is equipped with one or moreacoustic sensors (e.g., acoustic sensor 50 shown in FIG. 1), thewireless launch signal may be an acoustic command signal emitted from anearby command source (e.g., a surface ship or submarine) or, instead,the acoustic signature of a target vessel.

Next, at STEP 84 (FIG. 2), an acoustic (or other wireless) launch signalis transmitted to and received by deployment system 44. In particular,controller 46 detects acoustic sounds utilizing acoustic sensor 50 and,when determining that the acoustic sounds correspond to a predeterminedacoustic template stored within a memory associated with controller 46(not shown), controller 46 initiates the launch sequence of UUV 12 (STEP86, FIG. 2). Although the launch sequence will vary depending upon theparticular structural features and functionalities of SL canister 10, inone embodiment of the launch sequence, controller 46 first commands orotherwise causes cap release mechanism 30 to release watertight cap 22from the closed position (FIGS. 1 and 3). FIG. 4 illustrates SL canister10 after watertight cap 22 has rotated into the open position.Controller 46 then commands valve actuator 60 to move flow control valve62 into an open position to enable gas flow from pressurized gasreservoir 64, through flow passage 69, through flow control valve 62,through flow passage 68, and into storage cavity 20. As indicated inFIG. 4 by arrow 88, the pressurized gas flowing into storage cavity 20propels UUV 12 through open end portion 16 and into the surrounding bodyof water. Now deployed, UUV 12 may perform surveillance or otherfunctionalities in accordance with predetermined mission parameters.

In embodiments wherein UUV 12 is non-active or operates in a quiescentmode prior to deployment, UUV 12 is preferably configured to beactivated during deployment or immediately thereafter. For example, UUV12 may include a switch, such as a magnetic switch or other switch(e.g., a pull switch tethered to SL canister 10 by a lanyard), which isactuated during launch of UUV 12. Alternatively, and as a secondexample, UUV 12 may include a saltwater switch, which activates UUV 12upon saltwater exposure. In still further embodiments, such as inembodiments wherein UUV 12 is not fully autonomous and operates in aquiescent listening mode prior to full activation, UUV 12 may include areceiver or a transceiver that permits UUV 12 to be remotely activatedvia transmission of a wireless (e.g., acoustic) activation signaltransmitted subsequent to the wireless launch signal.

The foregoing has thus provided at least one exemplary embodiment of adeployment device (i.e., a submerged launch canister) for theremotely-initiated deployment water borne object, such as an UnmannedUnderwater Vehicle. Notably, the above-described exemplary launchcanister is cost-effective, scalable, handsafe, rugged, relativelystraightforward to operate, and consequently well-suited for in-fieldusage by military personnel, including military divers operating inpotentially adverse maritime conditions (e.g., low ambient light, SeaStates approaching or exceeding Code 3, etc.). In addition, theabove-described exemplary launch canister enables an Unmanned UnderwaterVehicle (or other waterborne object) to be pre-positioned at a desiredlocation of deployment and wirelessly activated at a subsequent time tomaximize autonomous operational longevity, and thereby increase themission capabilities, of the remotely-deployed Unmanned UnderwaterVehicle.

While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in theforegoing Detailed Description, it should be appreciated that a vastnumber of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that theexemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and arenot intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of theinvention in any way. Rather, the foregoing Detailed Description willprovide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map forimplementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It beingunderstood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention as set-forth in the appendedClaims.

1. A submerged launch canister for deployment of a waterborne object,the submerged launch canister comprising: a pressure vessel having anopen end portion and a storage cavity configured to receive thewaterborne object therein; and a remotely-triggered deployment systemcoupled to the pressure vessel and configured to propel the waterborneobject from the storage cavity, through the open end portion, and into abody of water when remotely triggered.
 2. A submerged launch canisteraccording to claim 1 wherein the remotely-triggered deployment systemcomprises: a wireless sensor; a propellant device; and a controlleroperably coupled to the wireless sensor and to the propellant device,the controller configured to actuate the propellant device in responseto receipt of a wireless launch signal.
 3. A submerged launch canisteraccording to claim 2 wherein the wireless sensor comprises an acousticsensor.
 4. A submerged launch canister according to claim 2 furthercomprising a manual activation switch coupled to the controller andaccessible from the exterior of the submerged launch canister.
 5. Asubmerged launch canister according to claim 2 wherein the propellantdevice comprises a pressurized gas reservoir fluidly coupled to thestorage cavity.
 6. A submerged launch canister according to claim 5wherein the propellant device further comprises a fill port fluidlycoupled to the pressurized gas reservoir and manually accessible fromthe exterior of the submerged launch canister.
 7. A submerged launchcanister according to claim 6 further comprising: a flow control valvefluidly coupled between the pressurized gas reservoir and the storagecavity, the flow control valve normally residing in a closed positionwherein the flow control valve substantially prevents pressurized gasflow from the pressurized gas reservoir to the storage cavity; and anactuator operably coupled to the flow control valve and to thecontroller, the controller configured to command the actuator to movethe flow control valve into an open position pursuant to receipt of thewireless launch signal.
 8. A submerged launch canister according toclaim 2 further comprising a watertight cap movable between an openposition and a closed position wherein the watertight cap sealinglyengages the open end portion.
 9. A submerged launch canister accordingto claim 8 wherein the watertight cap is biased toward the openposition, and wherein the submerged launch canister further comprises acap release mechanism operably coupled to the controller and configuredto maintain the watertight cap in the closed position until actuated bythe controller.
 10. A submerged launch canister according to claim 1further comprising a vacuum port fluidly coupled to the storage cavity.11. A submerged launch canister according to claim 1 further comprisinga pressure relief valve fluidly coupled to the storage cavity andconfigured to vent gas from the storage cavity when the pressure thereinsurpasses a predetermined threshold.
 12. A submerged launch canisteraccording to claim 1 wherein the submerged launch canister is configuredto sink in a body of saltwater and to come rest on a seafloor in an atleast partially upright position.
 13. A submerged launch canisteraccording to claim 12 further comprising a stand member mounted to thepressure vessel and configured to elevate the open end portion from theseafloor.
 14. A submerged launch canister according to claim 13 whereinthe stand member comprises a deployment ring disposed around thepressure vessel proximate the open end portion.
 15. A submerged launchcanister, comprising: a pressure vessel having an open end portion and astorage cavity; a waterborne object stored within the storage cavity;and an acoustically-triggered deployment system configured to propel thewaterborne object from the storage cavity and through the open endportion pursuant to receipt of an acoustic launch signal.
 16. Asubmerged launch canister according to claim 15 wherein the waterborneobject comprises an Unmanned Underwater Vehicle.
 17. A submerged launchcanister according to claim 16 wherein the acoustically-triggereddeployment system comprises: an acoustic sensor; a pressurized gasreservoir fluidly coupled to the storage cavity; and a controlleroperably coupled to the acoustic sensor and to the pressurized gasreservoir, the controller configured to actuate the pressurized gasreservoir in response to receipt of the acoustic launch signal by theacoustic sensor.
 18. A submerged launch canister according to claim 15wherein the acoustic launch signal is a predetermined launch signaltransmitted from a command source.
 19. A submerged launch canisteraccording to claim 15 wherein the acoustic launch signal is the acousticsignature of a vessel.
 20. A submerged launch canister for deployment ofa waterborne object, the submerged launch canister comprising: apressure vessel having an open end portion and a storage cavityconfigured to receive the waterborne object therein; and a watertightcap movable between an open position and a closed position wherein thewatertight cap sealingly engages the open end portion to prevent theingress of water into the storage cavity; a cap release mechanismcoupled to the pressure vessel and configured to maintain the watertightcap in the closed position until actuation; an acoustic sensor coupledto the pressure vessel; and a controller operably coupled to theacoustic sensor and to the cap release mechanism, the controllerconfigured to actuate the cap release mechanism when an acoustic launchsignal is detected by the acoustic sensor.